Bangkok, Thailand-
First stated on private travel groups devoted to the Special Tourist Visa earlier last week, a 60 day Single Entry Tourist Visa requirement to Thailand (with 30 day extension available) and applications have popped up on several embassy websites around the world over the last week.
It’s important to note that there has been NO OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT from the Thai Tourism Authority, The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration, The Royal Gazette, The Ministry of Public Health or any other agency but staff at embassies in Washington D.C. and London who spoke to The Pattaya News have confirmed that the visa does, indeed, seem real and applies to countries other than low risk countries. However, as there has been no official announcements this is subject to change at any moment but as of press time is on several embassy websites such as below:
This is NOT the special tourist visa, which is only for low risk countries and so far has mostly been used for Chinese “tourists”. More information on that visa can be found below:
However, for those rejoicing for a way into the country it is important to note the requirements, which not only have every single thing the Special Tourist Visa does but also has even more requirements. From the Washington D.C. Embassy website, here is a list of what is required below, with the 500,000 Thai Baht in a bank account for at least six months one requirement drawing a lot of attention. Additionally, it appears that at this point the visa cannot be changed to a different visa once in the country to allow one to stay past 60/90 days.
Visa and Certificate of Entry procedures for Non-Thai nationals wishing to enter Thailand for Tourism purposes
The following qualifications are for applicants who wish to apply for a Tourist visa TR (Single Entry only)
– Non-Thai nationals wishing to enter Thailand for Tourism purposes
– Non-Thai nationals with banking account balance no less than $17,000 or 500,000 baht each month for the last six month
1. At least 15 working days before the intended date of travel, the applicant must fill in the information and upload all required documents online here
2. The Royal Thai Embassy / Consulates-General will review the application. If the applicant requires a visa, the visa officer will inform the applicant to submit the following documents through mail to the Royal Thai Embassy (ATTN: Visa Section) or Royal Thai Consulate-General in Los Angeles, Chicago, or New York:
2.1 Passport
2.2 Two passport-size photographs (2″x 2″)
2.3 Visa application form (Download) (if the applicant doesn’t have a valid Thai visa)
2.4 Declaration form (Download)
2.5 Medical insurance guaranteeing that the insurance company will cover a minimum of 100,000 USD (or equivalent in other currencies) of medical costs incurred by the applicant in Thailand, including medical costs in the event that the applicant contracts COVID-19 (The insurance must cover the whole duration of stay in Thailand)
2.6 A confirmation of booking of Alternative State Quarantine (Please check the list of the alternative state quarantine hotels at www.hsscovid.com or www.thaiembdc.org/asq)
2.7 Self-addressed return envelope and visa fee (Money order – $40 for single entry only) if the applicant doesn’t have a valid visa
2.8 A copy of the bank statement for the last 6 months (the balance of each month must have no less than $17,000 or 500,000 baht)
3. At the departure airport, the approved applicant is required to present
3.1 A “Certificate of Entry” issued by The Royal Thai Embassy or the Royal Thai Consulates-General;
3.2 A “Health Certificate”, Fit to Fly, issued no more than 72 hours before departure.
3.3 Medical insurance or letter from employer guaranteeing that the insurance company or employer will cover a minimum of 100,000 US dollars (or equivalent in other currencies) of medical costs incurred by the applicant in Thailand, including medical costs in the event that applicant contracts COVID-19 (The insurance must cover the whole duration of stay in Thailand); and
3.4 A Medical certificate with a laboratory result indicating that COVID -19 is not detected, issued no more than 72 hours before departure
4. Upon entry to Thailand,
Travelers arriving in Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic must present the following documents to be granted entry:
4.1 COE and Declaration Form
4.2 Medical certificate with a laboratory result indicating that COVID -19 is not detected, using RT-PCR test, issued no more than 72 hours before departure
4.3 Fit-to-fly/Fit-to-travel Health Certificate issued no more than 72 hours before departure
4.4 Medical insurance or letter from employer guaranteeing that the insurance company or employer will cover a minimum of 100,000 US dollars (or equivalent in other currencies) of medical costs incurred by the applicant in Thailand, including medical costs in the event that applicant contracts COVID-19 (The insurance must cover the whole duration of stay in Thailand)
5. If granted entry, traveler must go through 14 days of Alternative State Quarantine
*** The applicant must arrange their own 14-day Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) at their own expenses. More information, including list of permitted hotels (in Thai) can be found here at http://hsscovid.com/ or Royal Thai Embassy’s website .***
List above courtesy US Embassy